Michael Ciufo

Michael Ciufo, Tenor. Drawing from his Italian heritage and roots in classical singing, Michael has created a musical style that highlights his powerful voice. He released his first album, ‘Vieni Sul Mar - A Collection of Italian Songs’ in 2004. Since his first release, Michael has focused his efforts toward composing and performing his own music. “Music is my way of communicating” says Michael, “and I’ve always loved writing songs – even before I studied classical voice. For me, it’s a different connection that you make with the audience. It really is like opening yourself up for everyone to see, hear, and feel.” With many new compositions underway, Michael is set to release his first original album in 2009.
 

Despite his busy schedule performing, composing, and recording, Michael was able to obtain a Bachelor of Music from the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School. There, he was able to gain experience on the stage: His roles include Don Curzio in Le Nozze di Figaro by W.A. Mozart and Il Buffone in the Canadian premier of La Belle dormente nel bosco (Sleeping Beauty) by Ottorino Respighi with the Glenn Gould School. Goro in Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini with Opera Lirica Italiana. Last May, Michael performed the role of Joshua in Handel’s oratorio, Joshua with the Orpheus Choir of Toronto. He has performed the title role in the concert premier of Hamlet, a new opera written by Toronto-born composer Mark Richards. Michael has also been an ensemble member with Opera Atelier in their recent productions of Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Idomeneo.

Patrick Jang

Tenor Patrick Jang is known for the depth of character he conveys through his singing. His recent roles include Gonzalve and L'Arithmétique in the U of T Opera School's productions of Maurice Ravel's L'heure espagnole and L'enfant et les sortileges, and Paolino in Domenico Cimarosa's Il matrimonio segreto. His recently performed with the Aldeburgh Connection and the Bayfield Festival of Song. 

Mr. Jang holds a Masters of Music in Opera from the University of Toronto, and an Honors Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario. He is a laureate of the Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques. He will debut with Opera Atelier in the role of Don Basilio (also Don Curzio) in The Marriage of Figaro next spring.